Boston Red Sox starter Josh Beckett showed the dominant form for which he is famous once again yesterday, silencing his critics here in Boston who view him as a washed up never-really-has-been. All I can do is say I told you so on this one.
Beckett looked healthy as can be, as he commanded 4 pitches on his way to 8 innings of 2-hit ball and 10 strikeouts. The 4-0 victory gave the Sox a win in their first series of the season versus the Yanks. The importance of a healthy Beckett to this team cannot be understated. Dustin Pedroia reached base in 10 of 11 plate appearances to win the first edition of Robinson Cano versus Dustin Pedroia this season.
In other Sox news, Clay Buchholz agreed to a 4 year, $30.5 million contract extension with the Sox. The deal also contains additional club options for a 5th and 6th year. While at first I questioned this deal, I think the Sox made a pretty awesome move. $7.5 million a year is a relatively small contract for a player with the potential upside of Buchholz. It’s certainly well less than the contracts paid to John Lackey and Josh Beckett — to be honest I’m surprised that Buchholz didn’t demand more money. Beckett also signed a 4-year contract extension earlier this year, meaning these two will be stalwarts of the staff for years to come.
Now it’s time to battle our way back up to .500 – a series against the Rays starting tonight should be a great opportunity to build some momentum.
the game was reminiscent of his last “preseason” start against the Astros. Granted the Stros are horrible and cant hit, but everyone raved about the late life on Becketts fastball. It was the same thing last night
The Red Sox will go this year as two people go – Pedroia and Beckett. Pedroia is the leader of the clubhouse despite the fact hes not the captain and Beckett is the leader of that staff. He is the one that can get nasty and throw inside. He is the mood setter for all the pitchers. When he goes out and gets nasty so will the rest of the staff.
Also, how bad was that called third strike to end the game? Worst ever?
Yes, that pitch was horrible and clearly a ball. Tex had a reason to get angry over that one. I never have any doubt about Pedroia. We know that Beckett’s got the stuff and the attitude, he’s just got to stay healthy and on point. His start yesterday was much better than his start against the Astros though.
I agree on Beckett having to lead that staff. Pedroia may lead the club house but there are so many bats in that line up that he can suck and the Red Sox can still be successful.
That third strike was amazingly bad. It was not even close. Probably wouldn’t have made a difference in the game but atleast pretend to care for the whole game.
Agreed. Pedroia on base 10 of 11 at bats? Great stuff.